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Burley takes positives

George Burley took positives from Scotland's 3-1 defeat to a strong Czech Republic side in Prague.

Last Updated: 30/05/08 8:29pm

George Burley took positives from Scotland's 3-1 defeat to a strong Czech Republic side in Prague.

The Czechs took the lead in the 60th minute through former Rangers player Libor Sionko and Michael Kadlec then doubled the advantage in the 84th minute.

But debutant David Clarkson pulled a goal back one minute later before Sionko scored his second on 90 minutes to seal the victory.

Burley had several key players missing but still believed the game had been a worthwhile exercise and he that he has learned from the experience.

He said: "For any nation, you want your best players available and hopefully come the World Cup qualifiers we will have them available.

Experience

"But who knows? You can get injuries so you need a squad and competition and that showed today. Young players got experience and that can only be good for the future.

"Sometimes in defeat you learn more. We needed to be tested.

"Our first two World Cup qualifiers are away from home and the temperature in Macedonia will be similar to today.

"In this situation you are looking to build. We knew we were taking on a game that wouldn't be easy and we were aware of the Czech Republic's record. It was a case of getting some sort of system, giving players an opportunity and they gave it all they've got.

"The Czechs stepped up in the second half and it was disappointing to lose the goals. But you are learning about players and it was certainly a worthwhile exercise."

Praised

The Scotland boss praised goal-scorer Clarkson, who has had a season of mixed emotions after suffering the loss of his uncle - and Motherwell skipper - Phil O'Donnell before helping the Steelmen secure a third place finish in the SPL.